Tips to fix parking lot cracks in your asphalt pavement.
Asphalt cracking will eventually happen to parking lots over time. The normal wear and tear on asphalt pavement can lead to damages. These cracks will often get worse over time, as it’s important to fix parking lot cracks as soon as possible to limit any issues. Contacting a company offering asphalt repair services is always a smart choice to ensure the job is done right. These professionals can help to extend the lifespan of your asphalt parking lot by making the necessary repairs while also handling parking lot maintenance.
Here is a simple overview of the process for handling crack repair on asphalt pavement.
Cracks Less Than One Inch in Width
An asphalt crack less than one inch wide is the easiest to repair. The first step in making repairs is to ensure that rain isn’t in the forecast for the next 24 hours or longer. Using a trowel or screwdriver is helpful in removing any dirt or vegetation near or within the crack. Afterward, you will need to use a garden hose or pressure washer to wash the crack in the pavement.
Once the crack is dry, you can use a hot pour crack filler while making sure it’s level with the pavement, and then you can smooth it out by using an asphalt patch product that you can buy at a store. It’s important to let the crack filling dry for at least 24 hours. Applying a second coat of the asphalt patch product may be necessary. While it’s possible to do these repairs on your own, reaching out to an asphalt repair company will help save you time.
Cracks More Than One Inch Wide
Attempting to fix parking lot cracks greater than one inch in width isn’t recommended. Instead, it’s always a better choice to reach out to a professional asphalt company to make these repairs. Getting these repairs performed as quickly as possible is also important to avoid water seeping through to the foundation and causing permanent damages.
Foundational damage to your parking lot will only cause more cracks to occur, and it will also result in large potholes. These damages to your parking lot are a significant liability. Using professionals for rubberized crack sealing and crack filling services is essential in taking care of these damages to your parking lot before they get worse over time.
Alligator Cracking
Alligator cracking in a parking lot often happens due to significant damages. These types of cracks resemble the scales of an alligator’s back, as it occurs if potholes and cracks go unrepaired for a long time. Eventually, water will reach the foundation and lead to substantial damages. The vast majority of parking lots will need to be replaced if they suffer from alligator cracking.
Deciding Between Parking Lot Repair or Replacement
An asphalt parking lot will often last around two decades with proper maintenance and care. Repairing small cracks with crack sealing and other products is important in taking care of minor problems before they get much worse. Staying proactive with maintaining your parking lot will boost its lifespan and save you a lot of money in the future.
Scheduling parking lot maintenance services with an asphalt paving company is a great way to keep everything in excellent condition while improving the curb appeal of your business or commercial property. On the other hand, a lack of maintenance will often force you to replace your parking lot prematurely. Keeping these things in mind is just one of the many reasons why you need to fix parking lot cracks as soon as you can to avoid more damages.
Contact PLS to Fix Parking Lot Cracks
Parking Lot Services (PLS) specializes in extending the life of asphalt parking lots of commercial property managers and businesses with the help of our repair services. Our company has years of experience in making repairs while offering asphalt paving, concrete services, ADA compliance, and parking lot maintenance in Tampa. Our team can also sealcoat your parking lot to ensure it will last for many years.
Feel free to reach out to PLS to learn more about our repair services!